Olivia Asher is a reporter at the New Herald Tribune covering breaking news for the Digital Trends Desk. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, she covered criminal justice issues at the Orlando Plain Dealer.
December 23 , 2024
Mar-a-Lago, Florida - President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at potentially appointing former Representative Matt Gaetz as ambassador to both Panama and Greenland. This announcement comes on the heels of Trump's recent controversial statements regarding these nations.
Trump's suggestion follows a series of provocative comments directed at both Panama and Greenland. On Saturday, he threatened to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, citing excessive fees for its use. Similarly, he reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark, stating that "the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity" for U.S. national security.
The potential appointment of Matt Gaetz as ambassador has sparked concern due to his recent ethics issues. A House Ethics Committee report accused Gaetz of regularly paying for sex and using illegal drugs.
This background raises questions about his suitability for a diplomatic role, especially in light of the delicate situations with Panama and Greenland.
Both Panama and Greenland have swiftly rejected Trump's recent statements:
- Panama's President José Raúl Mulino asserted that "every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas belong to Panama."
- Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede firmly stated, "Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale."
Trump's approach to these nations, coupled with the potential appointment of a controversial figure like Gaetz, could significantly impact U.S. foreign relations. Experts worry that such moves might strain relationships with key allies and complicate diplomatic efforts in strategic regions.
As Trump prepares to take office on January 20, 2025, the international community watches closely to see how these diplomatic tensions will unfold. The proposed appointment of Gaetz and the aggressive stance towards Panama and Greenland may set the tone for Trump's foreign policy in his second term.
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